Introduction to Circle Graphs

Circle graphs are often referred to as pie charts. A circle graph expresses data as parts of a whole. Each section of the pie shows a fraction of the total amount.

In a circle graph, the circle equals 100 percent. Each part of the circle, called a sector or section, represents a piece of the data. Circle graphs permit a comparison of a whole and its parts by dividing off slices of the circle.

When reading a circle graph, review the following features:

Title: The title tells you what the circle graph is about.

Labels: Because a circle graph is divided into sectors or segments, look at the labels for each segment, as well as the entire circle. Next, look at how the circle is divided. Are some segments significantly larger or smaller than others? This information will assist you in answering questions about the graphic.